Author's Note: I've been playing Mario games since he was "Jumpman" in Donkey Kong, so there's a lot of info from the games, books, toys, and anything else Nintendo makes with him. I understand the Super Mario Movie and cartoons are not canon, but I do use some of the cartoon lore in here for filler info. Also, according to Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario's creator, Mario is 5'1'' and 25 years old, such info I have used to make more sense of less profiled characters. So knowing this, please don't freak out about certain characters being so-so feet tall and so-so years old. I mean, if that stuff freaks you out then, spoiler alert, Mario is not a plumber anymore and I will make note of it in the story. Timeline wise, I'm placing this before the Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions, Super Mario Odyssey, and Mario Party: The Top 100 games, those I have yet to properly think of ways to intergrade into this story, plus most of those games haven't even been released yet. But enough of me rambling, you want to lose yourself in a story, so here it is. Enjoy. ^_^ (So I've thought about where I'm placing this story in the grand scheme of the Mario timeline and I believe I've picked a good spot. I've decided that this story will take place before Mario+Rabbids and Odyssey, setting things up to correspond with both those games in a way that'll make sense...I hope.)

The Koopa Kingdom. Dark Land. Whatever the name it goes by, it is a place few set foot in without a little tinge of fear in their hearts. But to those that call this land home, it is a place that if you treat it well it will do the same back to you. It is home to many people and many different backgrounds. Those that bow to the crown of their lord are taken care of and lead good lives. They fight tooth and claw to keep the peace they have. So when something/someone becomes an enemy of the Kingdom, well, it would be a calm day in hell if even a single resident decided to stay in bed when the call to arms was heard. So...on this very night...when the emergency alarms began to sound...all knew that this wasn't going to be a night that would allow for sweet dreams. This was a night no one would enjoy. Especially the royal Koopa family, who, sadly know what this means. This includes the concerned me. Bowser had been escorting back to Jr.'s room after we had a very personal talk. It's odd. After saying the things we did, I felt closer to him even if we talked about my leaving. Things were looking so well. Then we heard the faint sirens in the distance before the blaring sound grew louder in their warning.

"My King?"

I know something is wrong. Something is going to happen. But I don't know what I should do at this moment. I've never been in this situation before. I'm on alert and yet confused as to why. I end up taking hold of his arm because in the instinctual part of my brain he represents safety and in my heart I know it's right. He looks down at me and nudges me closer. His eyes hold a seriousness that I haven't seen before.

"They're coming."

It clicks in my head.

"The Mario Brothers?"

He nods and starts pulling me with him as he begins to sort of sprint down the halls. This sudden behavior only worries me more. I've never known this man for showing any sort of fear response and he isn't showing fear now. But that look on his face isn't as strong as I know it can be. He's putting on a brave face for my sake. I don't like it. And I really don't like this sense of urgency emanating off of him.

"Where are we going?"

He doesn't say a word.

"Bowser?"

Still nothing.

"Say something!"

"Lynsie...I need you to have faith in me."

"I do. But I need to know what's going on or I'm going to assume the worse is going down."

The hallway doesn't look like the way to Jr.'s room anymore. The air feels warmer. The walls look more fortified. I don't like this.

"What is this place?"

"I need to keep you safe."

"Huh?"

He opens a sturdy door and the next thing I know is I'm nearly hurled inside. Just as I'm regaining my balance from stumbling, the door shuts behind me and I hear it lock. But Bowser isn't inside with me.

"What the...?"

I pound on the door.

"Bowser! Open this door!"

"I can't do that, Lynsie."

"Can't do that? Dork! I know you have the freaking key!"

"I can't let you out because I know what you'll do. When those two 'heroes' show up, you'll confront them. You'll defend the family. I can't let you do that."

"Bowser! I will break this door down!"

"*sigh* You mean the world to me. Nothing would hurt me more than if something were to happen to you. In the very least, can you understand why I'm doing this?"

My rage against the door calms down a bit.

"And can you understand why I'm ticked off? I'm not one to stand by while some fools think they can walk in my home and mess with my loved ones."

"That's why you're staying put."

"Do you really think I'll stay here? Knowing that the children...that you...I won't stay here knowing you're all risking yourselves. And over her no less."

"It's a risk I'm willing to take."

"I will get out."

"Even if you do, this will have bought me enough time to take care of the problem without you being put in danger."

"I can fight my own battles, Bowser. I'm not some weak little girl. I can take a hit and dish them out even harder. I will make them regret ever thinking they could step foot in this castle."

"...Forgive me, my spitfire."

"Bowser?"

I can hear him walk away and I lose it.

"Bowser! Bowser! Get your scaly butt back over here! Don't leave me! Don't you dare leave me here! Bowser! Do you hear me?! BOWSER!"

But no reply is heard. I roar in frustration and shout swears at the door for blocking me from getting out. My nails claw at the thick wood of the door, making it splinter into my skin. My teeth gnash in my annoyance. My feet kick as hard as they can, making a couple toes crack in the process. Yet to no avail. All my fit does is hurt me and get me even more riled up.

"Argh! This is crap! If he thinks I'm sticking around while he and the kids fight, then he's got another thing coming to him!"

Thus begins my isolation as I go through the 6 stages of emotional turmoil. Already I know the first stage really well...SHOCK & DENIAL. The shock part was kind of obvious and after a little bit old denial starts kicking in.

"He'll be back. He cares too much for me. It'll take less than five minutes for him to come back and tell me he's sorry. Then we can defend the castle together. Yeah...Any moment now."

Slowly as time progresses, the next stage begins taking over...ANGER.

"That unbelievable #%*&$! I am going to kick his #%*&$! I'll dye his hair blue and paint his shell purple! I'll paint his claws green and put him in a freaking tutu! *roar* OPEN THIS #%*&$ DOOR!"

Frustration gives way to rage and this is a time for the release of bottled up emotions. But anger isn't really my strongest point and it easily tappers into the next stage...BARGAINING.

"Hey! Anyone out there?! Please...Open this door! It's an emergency! Someone! Please! If you want money, I'll pay you! Just...For the love of the stars...Open this dang door...please..."

This, of course, moves us into the more emotionally painful stages as the castle rumbles...PAIN & GUILT.

"Why...Why is he doing this? I can help him. I can help the kids. They don't need to fight this alone. I can...*sniffle* I can be of use. Oh please...please...don't let anything happen to them. I won't forgive myself if something happens and I could've stopped it."

The sadness and despair take effect as we enter the most complex stage that goes by many names...DEPRESSION, REFLECTION, LONELINESS, etc.

"*mournful* Please...Don't do this to me...Not now...Not after all this. You can't make me go through life alone and uncared for, then show me love, only to take it away. You can't do that! It's not right! It's not fair! *cries* So, please...I vow on the Rainbow Road...If able to be released, I will do anything and everything in my power to keep them safe. I will offer my life for them! Do you hear me up there?! Can you hear my voice on Star Road, oh mighty Star Spirits?! Hear the wish that I make this night! I wish for the power to protect the ones that I love!"

In case that sounded like desperate nonsense...Star Road is the place where all wishes are turned into Wish Stars before being granted upon collision with the world. A person identified only as "a higher authority" rules unseen from somewhere in Star Haven. Star Haven is a Star-inhabited place out in space where Star Kids are raised to grant a person's wishes. The 7 Star Spirits (consisting of Eldstar, Mamar, Skolar, Muskular, Misstar, Klevar, and Kalmar) also form a council and use the Star Rod to determine which wishes get granted. This surprisingly has nothing to do with Rosalina or the star-like Lumas that she tends to with motherly care. Now, these Star Spirits tend to be very selective with whose wishes they grant. Only the pure ever know of their blessing. But sometimes... miracles can happen. In my darkest moment, feeling at my lowest, I hear a sound. A sound not of my own making. No. This sound comes from the door. Hoping like hell that this is real and not a cruel joke my senses have played on me, I attempt to open the door. There's a clank sound but the door remains locked.

"Oh, you son of a...!"

I slam my hands on the door in rekindling anger and the sound happens again. This time not only is it louder but also something happens. There's an eerie creaking before suddenly...The hinges give out and the door drops off the frame. Out of immense surprise, I poke it and it tips over to hit the hall floor with a resounding crash. It takes a moment to register this as being real. This is the good stage that brings about the end of all this...ACCEPTANCE & HOPE. Stepping out into the hall, this wave of gratefulness washes over me. I can hardly believe this is real. The Star Spirits normally ignore wishes made in selfishness and on my end, I thought my wish was pretty selfish. But I guess they see the good in my reason. That this wasn't just to let me out of a room. It's so I can get out and help my loved ones. And just in time too. The castle is starting to rumble at an increasing pace. This isn't good. I don't like it.

"Don't worry, sweeties. I'm on my way! As...As soon as I figure out the way back up there."

This might take some time.

[Meanwhile: with the Mario Brothers moments ago]

After making their way out of Castle Seven, Luigi took charge and was carving a path to Koopa Castle with little remorse to those that got in his way. Mario, who was plenty messed up from the previous Boss Fight, could only let his health slowly recover from his perch on his brother's shoulder as he watched the smart creatures flee from his glaring sibling. The braver, more duty-bound inhabitants, risk their lives to stop the intruding pair from proceeding any further into their lands...only to end up as coins that line the human's pocket. A sad fate indeed, to become little more than currency to someone else. Now there are means to restore these poor souls to their original selves, but there aren't many that know how to do this and two of those few aren't the Mario Brothers. Whether this also means Mr. L is unknown. And even if he does, it's doubtful that he rightly cares unless he sees some use of doing so. A clever and vindictive man, this Mr. L is. The only good he does is sheltering Luigi from the darker side of things. But this is a double edged sword as while Luigi won't remember these moments where Mr. L takes over, he will experience nightmares that vaguely resemble the things Mr. L has done. And judging by the level of violence displayed now, Luigi is going to have night terrors for the next few months.

Green flames burn a noticeable dotted line to Koopa Castle. Remnants of the fallen litter the way and are cast in an ethereal glow, adding the haunted forest's numbers in restless souls. So when the Green Thunder darkened the imposing castle's gated door with his shadow with the chaos framing his background, it came to little surprise that entry was not permitted. Yet this meant very little to Mr. L.

"They're not opening the gates."

"Gee, I wonder why. Probably has-a nothing to do-a with the burning hellscape over there."

"Cowards. I don't have time for this."

"You-a get scarier the longer you-a stay in control, you-a know that?"

"I prefer eccentric."

Mr. L puts Mario down and pulls out a black Ultra Hammer with a green L band in the center.

"What are you-a going to do-a with that?"

"Well, I'd ring the doorbell but this is more fun."

With such a weapon in his hands, all it takes is a few solid whacks and the gate comes down in pieces.

"Here's...Luigi! Hahahaha!"

The menacing laugh unnerves Mario and he ends up flinching when his brother looks his way.

"Hey...You able to walk yet?"

It took Mario a moment to register the question.

"Uh...I think so? Maybe in a minute or two."

Mr. L sighs.

"Okay...You wait here then."

"W-What?"

"I don't need you slowing me down. Besides, who would mess with you? Heh, there's no one here. And anyone left is too busy peeing themselves to come out of hiding."

"B-But..."

"Relax. I'll be back with Peach faster than mom expected us to be home for supper."

Mr. L enters the castle and Mario tries to force himself up, stumbling to catch him.

"Wait! You-a can't go in there! It's too dangerous! Luigi!"

The castle is soon to know more pain then it has ever known.

[Meanwhile: with Bowser and the children]

I did it for her own good. She would only be in danger if I allowed her to be in all this. I can't do that. I won't lose her. Not to them. Not to those damn plumbers. Not over that woman. I'd never forgive myself if that happened. I had to do it. This is more than a fight for that dumb Princess. It's a fight for what matters most. And I won't lose. I refuse to. This night...this is the night I will stand the victor.

"Papa? Where is Mama? She wasn't in my room."

Surprisingly, Roy didn't voice out to this. Of course, Bowser knew why, sort of. Roy did something that made Lynsie ran yet he didn't know what that was. He felt it wasn't best to ask too much when he was with her.

"She's in a safe place. I made sure of it."

"Really?"

"I have her tucked away in the lower sanctum. It's more secure there. She'll be fine while we take care of our little pest problem."

A loud crash resonates the foundation and Kamek comes zooming in.

"My Lord! The gate has been breached! They've gotten inside the castle!"

Bowser growls. He was hoping he had more time than this. This isn't good.

"Okay, kids. Remember the plan. Let's take these fools down!"

"Yeah!"

"Every Koopa to your battle stations!"

"Yeah!"

The kids stampede to their posts and Bowser motions Kamek to follow him.

"What's the damage so far?"

"My Lord, from what reports say, Luigi is the one causing the destruction."

That struck the king oddly.

"Green 'Stache?"

"Yes, my Lord. He is leaving much chaos in his wake. The reports from the front line say that they have yet to come up with a number for the amount of the missing."

Bowser's eyes narrow.

"So he finally snapped. I was dreading this..."

"Shall I recall the children for a tactical retreat?"

"Retreat?"

This made the King snarl with embers leaking from his jaws.

"NEVER! This is MY castle! This is MY Kingdom! These are MY people! I will not cower like a worm and run with my tail tucked away from Green 'Stache! If that scrawny beanpole wants a fight, then he's going to be in for a world of hurt! Koopas do not run away! We stand and fight! Even if it means our very lives! We move towards the danger, not away from it!"

"Yes, sire. Of course. I...I was merely s-suggesting..."

Bowser sighs.

"I know. But even if I wanted to, I can't leave. You know that. A King must go down with his castle. The kids know this too. They know I'd never run from a fight and they stay to be with me. Adding even more reason for me to stay is knowing I have to protect them. We can not leave this castle, Kamek. But I'm not forcing you to if you think you..."

"I'm not abandoning you, son."

Of course, Kamek isn't Bowser's real father. But when you raise a child for the better portion of your life and stick with them long after they too have made a family of their own, you kind of are blood kin even if you aren't. And Kamek was one who only busts out the "son" title in the most realest of moments. Hearing this made Bowser smile.

"Glad to know you'll stand with me as the world burns around us."

"I'd have it no other way."

A resounding crash shakes the castle and the sound of wailing cries can be heard from the ground floor.

"We have uninvited guests, my Lord. Shall we give them a proper Koopa welcoming?"

Kamek says calmly but with the smirk of a wicked wizard up to no good. Bowsers grins evilly.

"Yes. Let's give them a WARM welcome with FIRE and BRIMSTONE!"

Bowser laughs and rushes off to his area. The upcoming fight is going to be battle for the ages.

[High above Castle Koopa]

The sky, clouded with thick plumes of volcanic smoke, swirl and open a viewing window to those on high. The Star Spirits and one of greater power have seen this same scene play out before. Time and time again. But something is different. This is playing out differently. Stronger conviction. Stronger emotion. Stronger determination. This was no simple fight going on. This was war. And all can feel it.

{ A warning to the people, the good and the evil. This is war. }

They cast their sight deeper in the castle. Seeing the players as they cast their roles.

{ To the soldier, the civilian, the martyr, the victim. This is war! }

Mario. Lynsie. Bowser. Luigi. The cast is set. The stage is ready. Now to see how this goes on.

{ It's the moment of truth and the moment to lie. And the moment to live and the moment to die. The moment to fight, the moment to fight. To fight, to fight, to fight...! To the right to the left. We will fight to the death. To the edge of the earth. It's a brave new world from the last to the first. To the right, to the left. We will fight to the death. To the edge of the earth. It's a brave new world, it's a brave new world! }

"Lord?"

[Hmmm?]

"Are you sure we are doing the right thing by not intervening?"

[We have done all that we were needed to do. We are not to pick sides. Good or Evil, all living things are equal and as such, they are free to choose what path of fate they tread. You are only to watch.]

"But...What about that wish that was granted?"

[As I said...YOU are only to watch. This at least levels the playing field.]

The Mario Brothers make their way deeper into the castle and enter the chamber of the Koopalings.

{ A warning to the prophet, the liar, the honest. This is war. To the leader, the pariah, the victor, the messiah. This is war! }

Iggy. Wendy. Lemmy. Roy. Morton. Ludwig. Larry. The children are ready, armed to the teeth to defend their home and family. They may be young but these kids are far from new to battle. Mario is in no shape to fight, at least, not yet or by the looks of it, is unwilling. Luigi/Mr. L, on the other hand, cracks his knuckles of flame and rushes in relentless delight.

{ It's the moment of truth and the moment to lie. And the moment to live and the moment to die. The moment to fight, the moment to fight. To fight, to fight, to fight...! To the right, to the left. We will fight to the death. To the edge of the earth. It's a brave new world from the last to the first. To the right, to the left. We will fight to the death. To the edge of the earth. It's a brave new world, it's a brave new world, it's a brave new world! }

As the conflict ensues in one place, so does the panic of another soul elsewhere. Running through halls and staggering up stairwells in a hurry, Lynsie tries to make sense of the turmoil happening to the castle. Getting small bits of information from fleeing minions to get her going in the right direction. The only thing going through her mind is the same repeating sentence. "I hope I'm not too late!".

The stone trembles, the fire burns, the sky storms in strikes of lightning. So much chaos. So much craziness. So much so, that when it all suddenly stops, that is when she really begins to worry about it. The faint trail of coins and empty shells doesn't help either. A distant laugh catches her ears and she follows the haunting sound. The pit in her gut hurting the further she goes. Only once she finds a chamber room in shambles, the children beaten and scattered among the debris, that is when her heart sinks before shattering to bits. The sound that escapes her, a haunting unworldly cry to say the least.

{ I do believe in the light, raise your hands up to the sky. The fight is done, the war is won, lift your hands towards the sun. Towards the sun...it's the moment of truth and the moment to lie. It's the moment to live and the moment to die, the moment to fight...Towards the sun...Towards the sun...it's the moment of truth and the moment to lie. It's the moment to live and the moment to die, the moment to fight...The war is won...to fight, to fight, to fight, to fight...! }

Something happens at that moment. A darkness awakens in the soul of light and beast long thought eternal in slumber awakens. The sounds of battle once more are picked up not too far ahead. With a rabid gleam in her eyes, the caretaker bolts like a bat out of the Underwhere on the hunt for the one responsible for this assault on her family. Further in, the Mario Brothers face the Koopa Prince. Mario is still on the sidelines and trying to reason with his brother, who for lack of better words, has lost his control over the lust of battle. Jr. on his end has fared well so far, mostly in part to his size and flying mobility by use of his Clown Car. It also helps he's the only target in this area. That was the problem the other seven had. Grouped together so tightly, their numbers worked with them and against them. Yet even with such advantages on his side, including the use of weaponry, it doesn't mean Jr. is invulnerable. Patterns are made and learned. Flaws are exploited. Damage is taken. The machine brakes. Still, the child fights on. But that doesn't last long. Mr. L has no remorse. Not even for kids.

"Luigi, please! This is too much! He's just a kid!"

Mario pleads, but Mr. L ignores him. Continuing to pummel Jr. in the face until the boy has no will left to keep going.

"You know something, Mario...Nabbit was right. The reason we keep doing this over and over is that we never finish what we start."

Mario is made confused as Mr. L holds the bloodied boy up by the rim of his shell.

"What are you-a saying?"

"What I'm saying is, ending this cycle is so easy. All we have to do is..."

He moves the boy to dangle over the lava flowing just under them.

"Make sure they really are done when beaten."

Mario freaks.

"Are you-a nuts! You-a can't just...!"

"Think about it! Bowser won't come for Peach if he's too busy grieving over a loss."

"You're insane!"

"This is how you end things! If you cut the head off a Tryclyde another will grow back in its place. And that's what we've been doing. Cutting off heads and letting them grow back. This ends it. Burning the neck so nothing comes back. And what better way to take out a King than by removing his hire? This will show him that the Mushroom Kingdom is to be taken lightly no longer."

Jr. weakly grabs Luigi's wrist.

"Awww...Look at that, Mario. The brat still has some fight in him."

"*meek* You...you're a bad man..."

"Heh...You have no idea."

Mr. L is ready to drop the boy when the sound of Mario getting into a fighting stance gets his attention.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"I won't let you-a do this."

"Really? You're going to save this kid now?"

"I don't-a care about these Koopa! I'm not-a going to let you-a corrupt my brother!"

Mr. L snickers.

"Such moral high ground you have there, Mr. NothingelsemattersexecptwhatIcareabout. It's a wonder how anyone cares about you."

"Shut up! I don't-a care if you-a are part of my brother. I'm not-a afraid to kick your butt."

"Oh? Well, now...How can I pass on such an inviting offer? I've been waiting for the chance to fight you again."

The moment Mr. L turns his head, Jr. takes the advantage and blasts him in the face with all the fire his little body had energy left for. This startles Mr. L, causing him to throw the young Prince towards the exit ahead as he tries to put the fire out on his lip. There are many swears uttered and even more when the Green Machine realizes his mustache had been singed in half.

"You...Now you're going to get it!"

He stomps over to the stuck on his back Koopa youth with the aim of brutally ending this boy's life.

"*weak* Mama..."

"Mama ain't going to save you, brat. Not from me, that's for dang sure."

"*louder* Mama...!"

Mr. L just laughs mockingly and Mario begins powering up a ball of flame. He has to stop this madness. He's responsible for his brother. But before anything happens, a harsh snarl is heard.

{ To the right, to the left. We will fight to the death. To the edge of the earth. It's a brave new world from the last to the first. To the right, to the left. We will fight to the death. To the edge of the earth. It's a brave new world, it's a brave new world, it's a brave new world...! A brave new world...! The war is won...! The war is won...! A brave new world...! }

"Mama!"

Mr. L is confused.

"Why do you keeping saying that? You don't even have a mother."

Eyes turn to face the entrance of the room to see the very fuming and heavily snarling Lynsie.

"*darkly* Get away from my boy, you soon to be dead piece of #%*&$!"

For a second, Mario thought this girl was Bowser due to the fire she was spitting. Jr. is happy to see her. Mr. L on the other hand...

"Little girl...You don't want any part of this."

She glares through his soul and he flinches.

"Mario..."

The man in red isn't sure if he should speak to this angry woman but being silent might make it worse.

"Y-Yes?"

"Get out of my house."

That was a command, a warning, and so much more all wrapped into one sentence. But as much as his legs wanted to make him flee, he knew he couldn't leave Luigi or Peach here.

"I'm not-a leaving without my brother."

Probably a smart move not to mention Peach at this moment. Lynsie only growls at him but understands his reason.

"Fine...You can have him back...I just make no guarantees he'll stay in one piece."

"Hehehe...How cute. Does the little girl really think she can..."

He doesn't get to finish his mockery as she rushes up and grabs him by the face, covering his mouth.

"Little boy, you have no idea the furry you have unleashed in me. But don't worry. You will learn all too soon just how dangerous this 'little girl' really is."

She tosses him aside back towards Mario and gives her attention to the hurt boy she cares for. Kneeling down and scooping him into her arms.

"Mama..."

"Shhh...I got you, sweetie. It's going to be okay. I'm so sorry. I tried to get here as fast as I could. Mama is so sorry. *sniffles*"

She nuzzles apologetically into his cheek and he pulls on her ear.

"Sweetie?"

"Mama...Kick his butt."

His tiny voice made her want to cry. But now wasn't the time for tears. Now was the time for revenge.

"For you, sweetie...I'm going to destroy him."

Jr. chuckles a little and she carries him to the exit.

"Mama will take care of this. Mama will keep you safe. Have faith in me, sweetie. I need you to."

"Okay, Mama."

"Tell your father not to worry. I'll handle it from here."

"Be careful, Mama."

"I will."

She opens the door and lets the boy down, allowing him to wobble through to get to his true parent on the other side. Now feeling a bit more secure in separating the kids from the threat, Lynsie faces Mr. L with a twisted grin.

"Okay, little boy. You have my attention now. Are you ready to play? Because my level of difficulty is game breaking."

Mr. L smirks.

"Finally. Someone worthy of me."

Mr. L takes a step towards her and Mario grabs his arm.

"Luigi, stop! Enough is enough already."

"Why are you still here? Instead of wasting time bothering me, you could've gone ahead and taken Peach back by now."

"Luigi..."

"I am not Luigi, you fat stupid #%*&$!"

"So..."

Her voice gets to them.

"Mr. L makes his return? Now all of this makes more sense."

"Nice to hear someone knows my name."

"Yeah. I'll be sure to write it on your tombstone along with the lines 'was a freaking moron' and 'got what he deserved'."

"Strong words. But are you all bark and no bite?"

"Come closer and find out."

"Heh...I like you."

"You won't very soon."

"Then enough talk then. Time to have some real fun. Maybe you'll entertain me better than these kids."

Her eyes widen and burn with hate.

"Oh, what's wrong? Did I strike a nerve?"

"...*sigh* I almost feel bad for what I'm about to do. Because I really think Luigi is a great guy. But that remark...That was the final nail in your coffin, dead man."

"Bring it on, little girl."

"Gladly."

Letting loose a threatening roar, she charges towards him as he in turns races to her. Mario watches on as they clash. After seeing the damage his brother can do, he was surprised that this woman was matching him blow for blow. If he made a punch, she would catch or block it. If he made a kick, she would catch or block it. If he tried to use his fire, she would dodge or deflect it with her shell. Honestly, it had Mario thinking as to why Bowser never had her fight them before. Even if so far she's been on the defensive, she was still doing better than his brother. Yet this was all a strategy and he knew it. Probably having seen all the carnage Luigi has done, she must know he hasn't had a moment to pause and recharge his figurative batteries. It doesn't matter how strong you are or how mighty your resolve is. If you use up all your energy and not take a break, then you are going to crash. Mr. L knows this.

"Is this all you have, little boy? Where is the powerhouse that's been messing up my home?"

"Hold still and I'll show you how much of a powerhouse I am!"

"Nah. That sounds dumb."

"Argh!"

In his frustration, Mr. L rams his head down and bashes her nose. Sending her reeling back in a series whimpers and snapping yelps. Using this moment, Mr. L gains his second win and begins his onslaught. Gender means nothing to Mr. L. Age means nothing to Mr. L. All that does matter to Mr. L is coming out on top as the winner. Punches. Kicks. Whacks and all sorts of bashes. Mr. L is relentless.

[Meanwhile: with Bowser]

The Koopa King waited on pins and needles. The suspense of knowing the enemy is so close was eating at him and he dug his claws into the pillars beside him. Any minute now, those two annoying menaces will come in and fight him. Any minute now, they will fight and even more damage will be made. Any minute now, someone will be leaving this skirmish with Peach. The only thing that was killing him now was the waiting. Kamek too was on edge, magic seeping from his wand in anticipation. Soon, all too soon, they will be coming through that door and challenging them. The Mario Brothers are whom they were expecting...So imagine the looks on their faces when they saw Jr. limping into the room.

"Jr.!"

Bowser rushes to his son as the boy stumbles to all fours.

"Jr.! Jr., what happened? Are you alright? Kamek, help my boy!"

As told, Kamek begins using healing spells to aid the Price and restore his health.

"Papa...I did my best..."

"I know you did, son. Don't beat yourself over this."

"Luigi...He's really mean."

The King scowls.

"He defeated the Koopalings too, right?"

Jr. nods.

"Then they'll be here soon."

Jr. shakes his head and Bowser is puzzled.

"What do you mean, no?"

"Don't be mad at her..."

That got his attention big time.

"Mama said not to worry."

"She got out?!"

"Mama saved me. She's fighting that bad man."

Panic sends his nerves into overdrive but he finds himself conflicted. He wants to run after her yet he can't just leave his son like this. That's when Kamek makes the choice for him.

"My Lord, I'll tend to the boy."

"Are you sure?"

Kamek nods.

"Go. Teach them this treatment is not to go unpunished."

Bowser hesitates and looks at Jr. still in his arms. The boy looks up at his father with pleading eyes.

"Protect Mama. Please, Papa."

Little else was needed to be said after that. Bowser hands over Jr. to Kamek and huffs through his nose.

"Kamek...Take the kids to the other castle and leave Peach here. If things get bad, at least she'll go down with this place."

Kamek looks concerned but then nods in understanding. However, Jr. does not like how this sounds.

"Understood, sire. I will send out the search party upon our arrival."

"No...! We can't leave Papa and Mama! We can't!"

"Jr..."

Bowser pets his son's head.

"Don't count your old man out just yet. These two can't take me and her on at the same time. You have faith in us, don't you son?"

The boy pouts but nods his head.

"Just...Be safe."

Bowser smiles softly.

"I will."

With that, Bowser takes a deep breath before rushing out to the past chamber. The only thing going through his mind was a single sentence that kept repeating loudly. "Please...I hope I'm not too late!".

[Meanwhile: with the humans]

Blood splattering with each powerful blow. And the entire time, all Mario does is watch uncomfortably. On the one hand, this is his brother and he has to do something to stop him before things escalate to the point of no return. And on the other hand, seeing Luigi be like this scares the living shit out of him. So when the moment came and Luigi/Mr. L now was threatening to do the same to her that he was going to do to Jr. Koopa, well...Mario had a difficult choice to make and not a whole lot of time to make it in.

"*panting* Yeah...Not so cocky now...Huh, little girl?"

"*panting* Go...#%*&$...yourself..."

He growls before slamming her down on her back with enough force to not only impale her shell's spikes into the floor but then shatter it all together and exposing the woman within to further damage.

"Stupid little girl! Do you like making me mad?"

She both groans in pain and laughs smugly.

"What's so funny?!"

"Hehe...*coughs* You're a joke."

"What?!"

Weakly she rolls off the jagged shell remnants and attempts standing.

"You...You think this means anything? That this makes you strong or cool? All this does is show how pathetic you are. *sputters blood*"

Mr. L scoffs.

"Says the girl barely standing."

"The same can be said about you. Don't think I don't notice you're not putting full weight on that leg."

"Heh, clever girl."

"Tell me something...Are you happy?"

"Huh?"

"I asked if you're happy. Did any of this make you happy?"

"Uh...No. Not really."

"Then why...Why are you doing any of this? What's the point?"

That seems to stun the man. He hadn't really thought about it. Why was he being so brutal? This quandary is the opportunity Lynsie was looking for and like anyone that doesn't want to be on the receiving end of a beat down, she used this window to her gain. While he was mentally stunned, she lunges at him and pins him under her painful hits.

"You sack of trash! You come into my home! Beat on my family! Pummel me! And you don't even have a reason behind your violence?! I will end you!"

Rage fueled her weak body. Even though every hit hurt her back, the thin skin ripping from her knuckles, she bit her tongue and kept going. He had to feel it. He must know the pain. The same pain he caused he must feel but even stronger. She won't kill him. That would be nice. And she wasn't that at this moment. He was going to have the sense beaten into him. But he's passing out and she didn't like it.

"Hey, stay awake little boy! I want you to stay alive! I want you to stay alive while I torture you! I want you to feel the pain..."

"Lynsie?"

She is cut off by Bowser's sudden voice. She looks behind to see the King of the Koopa with a worried but relieved expression on his face. He only takes a smallest of steps before horror takes him.

"Look out!"

He rushes to her as she registers his warning, looking back forward she gets an eye full of burning red hot fire that causes her to flail violently off Luigi.

"Hands off my brother!"

Mario finally makes his choice and it only took him an eternity to do so. Bowser blasts Mario in retaliation but he avoids the hit. Fire flies back and forth above the two bodies on the floor. Mr. L/Luigi eventually succumbs to the call of unconsciousness and hopefully returns to normal by the time he wakes up. Lynsie, however, still in pain, tries to retreat to Bowser's side...only due to blindness from fire, she ends up slipping over the edge of the floor, just barely able to maintain a one-handed grip preventing her fall into certain death. Bowser ceases his attacks to help her and gets bombarded with ball after ball of fire. Not like they hurt, but damn they stung in a very annoying way.

"Knock it off!"

"I will when you're in that lava!"

"Bowser...I'm slipping!"

Her scared voice was his sole focus and he took the hits to reach her. And just in time too. Her hand's strength gives out and he manages to catch it before she went too far down.

"Bowser...I can't see..."

"It's okay, Lynsie. I've got you. I'm not letting you go."

"Are the kids okay?"

"Kamek's got them. He's taking the kids away from all this."

She smiles.

"Thank the stars, there is some good news."

He found her ability to smile even during all this endearing and cute. But all the sweetness dies in an instant for the both of them at the sudden alerting sound of a certain power-up being activated.

"Please don't tell me I hear what I think I hear."

"I really want to tell you it wasn't. I really do."

Mario had been saving this one for a long time...The Super Star. Super Stars make the user invincible. The user becomes temporarily invulnerable to all damage, being able to defeat anything, except to hazards that would normally be fatal regardless of power-ups (lava, pits, getting crushed, etc). Most projectiles or enemies that come into contact with the user of the Star while it is activated are destroyed, damaged, or knocked far away. The Star also increases the speed of the user substantially. So when the flare of rainbow color engulfed Mario, Bowser knew what was coming next. He had no time to react unless he were to let her go and he wasn't going to even entertain such a thought. It all happened so fast. In the blink of an eye, Mario had sprinted forth, leap over his brother, tackled Bowser, and was on his way to the next chamber while the pair are sent hurtling to the pit below.

"Bowser...I'm scared."

"I know. But I promise I won't let you go."

"*sniffling* I love you."

He holds her tightly to him.

"I love you too, Lynsie."

Like a cannonball into the water, they hit the lava with a humongous splash and are completely submerged in seconds once the surface goes placid. The only evidence of them are some bubbles that soon end.

[Meanwhile: with Mario]

He had made this trip before, the way is practically burned into his memory like a childhood lullaby. Without Bowser, nothing blocked the way for him to reach the holding room where the Princess awaits. Up the ascending stairs, into the lofty tower on high, that is where he finds her. Easily dispatching the guards in his armored state and busting the door in one quick move, he finds her startled from her slumber. Peach on her part had been sleeping through the entire event, what with this being night time. She was completely unaware of the goings on, the death caused, and untold mental anguish that was all brought about just to rescue her. She merely yawned and greeted him as she always did after this.

"Oh, Mario. I knew I could count on you, as always. It can't have been easy to make it here. You truly are my hero! Let's go home and I'll bake you a special cake as a reward for such bravery."

Mario had no words after all the stuff he's been through in the last hour alone. He merely took her by the hand and took his time in escorting her safely out of the ruined castle, of course picking up Luigi along the way. But that was that. The hero of the Mushroom Kingdom had once more saved the day. The Princess was back in her own lands. The Brothers back home and tending to whatever it is that they do when not saving damsels in distress. And all on their end of the story turned out just peachy.

But there are always two sides to every story. And this was no different. As the curtain fell on the stage for those of the Mushroom Kingdom, there was still an audience watching over Castle Koopa and felt wronged by the ending of such players.

"This...This is so wrong."

"Such pain..."

"Such darkness..."

"Surely they can't be so broken. ...Right?"

"And what of Bowser and Lynsie?"

"Yeah. They can't be dead...Can they?"

"Likely Bowser still lives. It's not the first lava dip he's gotten. But the girl..."

"Lord? Is this truly the will of fate for these poor souls?"

"Truly things can't end so cruelly."

[I am many things. And even I will admit to not being the best in my position. But if there is one thing I am not, that is cruel. I think...just this once...We can do more than simply watch.]

Given the okay, the Star Spirits begin to swirl and focus their power into a rain of shooting Star Bits. The shiny colorful rocks litter the sky, each holding small amounts of power, and fall over the places these certain players now were. Larger groupings end up hitting Castle Koopa in the hopes of making it into the depths where the fallen now rest. Now unlike normal Star Bits, these were healing one of divine intervention. Coins of the dead reformed into their past life. Wounds were healed. Damage was undone. And for one sad King, truly a gift from above that was given to put his pitiful soul at ease.

For Bowser, lava is not as damaging as it used to be. Once, the magma was as harsh on him as it would be to any other poor victim it touched. But thanks to multiple dips and some strong magic, he was pretty much immune to the stuff. The human woman he loved, however, she wasn't so lucky. The pain she had to have felt in those moments where she was still alive was utter torment. The burning was down to the bone even while her flesh was still there. The only good he took from it was that he couldn't hear her screams. It felt like time stood still as he slowly felt the life leave her. But he couldn't leave that liquid heat. If he moved, he'd risk losing what little bits remained. And he wasn't about to leave her. Not even in death, not after all she did for him and his family. She at least deserved a proper ceremony.

But then...Things began to fall into the pool with him. At first, it's about one or two. But as time went on, more and more plops hit the lava at even a faster rate. The small ones dissolve rapidly in the heat. But the larger ones manage to sink deep enough to reach even him. He had seen these strange bits before. They aren't commonplace that's for sure, only showing up on the world every hundred years on the eve of the Star Festival. These larger bits take their time to melt around him and at first, he isn't sure that these things were of any good, after all, they were making motions that could cause her remains to shift away from him. Yet as the bits came into contact with the deceased girl, more of her remains began to regenerate. He couldn't believe his eyes. Surely this was trick being played on him by the intense heat. Yet the more he watched, the more of her was coming back, and the more of her that came back, the more he knew it was time to get the both of them out of the lava.

The swim was the easy part. The harder part was climbing the walls to get up onto real flooring, all while holding on to her small growing form. Though once that was said and done, he carried her all the way to Peach's tower. It was the closest vantage point for optimum bit acquisition. Once in the room of blinding pink he blasts a hole in the ceiling with a large fireball and lays her down on the glow of the moon. He watches as more and more bits fall into the room, absorbing into her upon contact with the reforming lump of flesh. He felt so weak in this moment, as well as the moments that lead to all this. This was what he was trying to prevent from happening. He was trying to keep her from getting hurt. And even when he tried, she still ended up dying, and in his arms no less. That was not how he wanted to hear her admit her love to him. To say it knowing it would be her final words. He hated himself for that. He fell to his knees and cried into his hands. He let her down. He let himself down. He dragged her into all this and she suffered for it. Even if by some chance she is revived and remembers him, he had no doubt she would deny not only his love but also wish to be as far away from him as possible.

Slowly, ever so slowly, the lump of flesh gained a more recognizable shape. Limbs sprouted. Digits split out. Hair grew long. Features and curves took on detail. The only thing not coming back in her resurrection was her clothes, as the non-organic matter wasn't part of her and was completely destroyed, so by the time she began to regain consciousness she was already shivering from the cool night air.

"Huh...The Overthere looks a lot like home."

Her voice puts an end to his crying and upon seeing her starts his blushing.

"Bowser? Wait...Didn't I die? That did happen...Right?"

His blushing continued and it took her a moment to realize why. She immediately dives onto the bed and wraps herself in the sheets.

"Oh my gosh! You are such a pervert!"

That snaps him out of it.

"I...I wasn't trying...I am not a pervert!"

Her snickering only makes him blush more.

"Yep. I'm definitely alive. Not even heaven could recreate your dorkiness."

He looks at her a tad stunned, which only makes her look at him funny.

"What's with that look? Aren't you happy to see me?"

He wanted to move. To get up and embrace her. But he couldn't make his body listen. She got up instead.

"At least let me know how long it was? Minutes? Hours? I doubt days because, as creepy as this sounds, these sheets are still slightly warm. *gross shudders*"

His inability to respond to her was beginning to mess with her and she moved closer to him till she was within arms reach.

"Come on. Tell me what's wrong. Are you upset that I left the room?"

Suddenly his hands sprung out and pulled her the rest of the way to him, allowing his face to rest against her chest.

"Bowser?"

"Can you forgive me?"

That had her confused.

"For what?"

His words choke his throat even before they come out.

"For failing. Failing to keep you safe. Failing my kids. Failing my kingdom. Failing as a man. Failing..."

"Oh geez, can you be any more depressing?"

"B-But..."

Her arms hug his head.

"You are being too hard on yourself. You are a man that tries super hard on things that are super hard to do. You are a great man. A fantastic King. An amazing father. And as for protecting me...I'm the one that failed there. I left the safety room. I don't hold you to any fault with what happened. Besides, how can I be mad when you kept your promise? You didn't let me go...Even when there was nothing left to hold on to."

His grip on her tightens.

"Why are you so good to me?"

"Because I care about you, you big dork."

He nuzzles into her and she strokes the back of his head.

"Please...Let this be real. I need you in my life. I need my spitfire."

"Funny. I was going to say the same about you, my King."

Words alone did not secure him enough that this was indeed reality. He needed more. He tilted his head up as he pulled her down and met her lips with his own. The feelings they shared for each other, every bit of it could be felt in that tender moment. They did not part for the longest time until air was needed. And even then they stayed close.

"I love you, Lynsie."

She smiles at this imposing man that is her equal now. Much has happened in her life since meeting this man. Never was there a dull moment. She had come to care for him and his family as if they were her own. They were her world. She wasn't complete without them. She would and has given her life for them. And as odd as it may seem, in that time where she was gone from this earthly realm, she had come to understand her heart. Frankly, there wasn't much else better to do in the timeless eternity of being dead. So when he kissed her and uttered those words, she knew just what she wanted to say.

"I love you too, Bowser."

He smiled lovingly and purred in content. It would be a day or two till Kamek's search party would arrive to scout for signs of survivors. In the least, that gave him some time to enjoy the alone time with his beloved. They would talk, laugh, get to know one another better than before without any distraction. Together, they come up with a way to break it to Roy that his courtship of her was over. That might be easier to do due to what happened between them, but still, heartbreak is never easy to go through. And they weren't going to flaunt this relationship either. Things would still be taken slowly as to feel comfortable and let the children adjust to this new public dynamic. Still, one thing remained unchanged when all the talking was done. Princess Peach was still a target of Bowser's plan to take the Mushroom Kingdom. And he still intended on his plot to humiliate her by way of marriage. Some things never change. Lynsie didn't like this one bit. But Bowser pleaded his case and made her a deal. She had free rein over the entire scheme. Everything was up to her. It didn't matter what, if she said a certain thing was needed, then he was to meet that demand. Yet for his part, he would be allowed to go through with the wedding one last time. If this attempt failed, that was it, no more wedding plots and any further plans to go for Peach or her Kingdom would be done in less romantic fashion. Lynsie agreed to these terms and without missing a beat already had ideas for the most fabulous weeding the world has ever seen. For the food, this plan would require finest. The most delectable of dishes, Stupendous Stew, would be the main meal and served with glasses of Sparkle Water, as it is said to bring good fortune, happiness, and even romance to those who drink it. Of course, every wedding needs a cake and nothing meets high standers like the massive Frost-Frosted Cake. Next is the stuff the bride needs and what's a bride without flowers? But not just any flowers, only the Soirée Bouquet will do for this plan. As for the dress, the Lochlady Dress, a strapless bouffant design wedding dress, would be perfect. A simple veil won't do either, but a Tiara fit for a Queen is just right for the job. Lastly, but most important of all, is the ring and she chooses the Binding Band, a giant jeweled ring artifact. Clearly, she was picking things all over the world just to frustrate him into giving up this silly idea before he got it started. But if one thing is true it's this, Koopas don't give up when challenged. And this was going to be one hell of a challenge. One he would have fun doing with her. But for now, that can wait. Right now all that mattered was just being with each other and being grateful that they are able to be together at all.

The Star Bit rain subsides and sky returns to normal, signaling the fall of another story's curtain. Oh, what wonders await these characters as they embark on even more adventures in the coming future. Paths will surely cross again. But will things be as dark as this night was? Who is to say. Only time will tell on how these new stories will play out. One thing is for sure, it will be a grand odyssey indeed.

And thus the story ends. I thank you all for coming along on this crazy ride that may or may not have made sense. I'm also sorry this chapter took so long to be posted. Real life stuff consumed me for the better part of three weeks. Thankfully it only took three days to make this. The hardest part in this whole thing was the Lynsie/Luigi fight. I had so many ideas for that, ranging from weird mystical shadow beast fighting to a loop of Lynsie killing Luigi and forcing him to go through all his extra lives. Even the Lynsie death idea was different in concept at the start. At first, Jr. was to fall in with her. Then the idea of Kamek swooping in with a magic spell to keep her alive popped up and sort of Dry Human her. Then the possibility of Bowser using magic to protect her in the lava or hiding her in his shell came to me, but I scraped all that while writing it out. A lot has come and gone in the making of this story and for those still with questions, hit me up any time, I'm more than happy to share my secrets. So, yeah, this ends and picks up in Odyssey according to my little head cannon. And I can already hear you typing that you can't wait for the continuation and show of how Lynsie was aiding the fight on this crazy world tour. Well...The thing is...I'm not really all that interested at the moment to make such a sequel. Maybe in the future, but not now. I want to give this time, let it be enjoyed. Then, when I'm less mentally fried, I'll come back and see what magic I can work there. I also know I've left a lot of stuff open and certain characters are cast in the "where are they now" light. Until I get back to this, let's just say they went back home and are having a nice long rest. I know, that's cheap, but I can't think of anything better after being up thirty hours to write this. Thus I leave you lovely reader for now and I hope you've enjoyed this as much as I have had making it. Now if you'll excuse, I really need to get some sleep before I end up passing out in this chair and one of the dogs takes advantage of my available lap to then fart on me for god knows how long. Love you all. Stay awesome. Bye-bye. ^_^